Introduction

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a small oldest herb that has been used for over 3,000 years, belongs to the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family. Coriander leaves and stems have a great value for its culinary and medicinal uses. The herbs and seeds of coriander are being excessively used in the traditional culinary owing to its pleasant color and flavor. Coriander health benefits are good for kidney, skin and boost brain health.

Uses of Coriander

Coriander young leaves are useful to make sauces, fish and meat products, pickles, beverages, and chutneys. The green leaves are consumed as fresh herbs, in salads, and as garnishes due to its attractive green color and aroma. Apart from the appealing aroma, seeds and leaves are also known for their therapeutic potential in Ayurvedic medicine since ages.

2. Antioxidant and Anticancer properties of coriander

Coriander root contains a high amount of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenol and chlorophyll contents which is well-known for its antioxidant and anticancer properties (4).

Thus daily intake of coriander root or coriander juice prevents DNA damage, breast cancer cell migration (inhibition of metastasis). It prevents oxidative deterioration of food and used in combination with conventional drugs to enhance the treatment of diseases such as prostate cancer (5).

3. Increase appetite due to linalool

4. Keep brain healthy

Daily intake of coriander prevents dark neuron and apoptotic cell production thus protect the brain from oxidative stress and neuronal damage due to seizure. Therefore, coriander leaf may use as a natural anticonvulsant drug for the treatment of epileptic seizures (7).

6. Keep kidney healthy

Intake of coriander leaf extract decreases the concentration of heavy metals such as iron, arsenic, and cadmium in the kidney thus protect the kidney from heavy metals induced oxidative stress (10).

7. Treat inflammatory bowel disorders

Intake of coriander extract and its essential oil is effective to reduce inflammation in the colon thus helpful for the treatment of colitis and management of inflammatory bowel disorders in humans (11).

9. Sedative and Analgesic properties

Coriander contains linalool as well as polyphenols including rutin, caffeic acid, and gallic acid provides relief from pain and increases the sleeping time without major neurotoxic effect (13, 14).

10. Treat liver or kidney injury

Coriander leaves show a wonderful effect on the treatment of liver or kidney injury caused by different chemicals (15).

Side effect of coriander

1. Risk of coriander-flavored Beer anaphylaxis

Intakes of coriander-flavored beer cause anaphylaxis in young women which may be due to the presence of Bet v 1- and profilin-related allergens (16). These molecules may be responsible for Type I allergy thus precaution should be needed before consumption (17).